A month after being implicated in legal charges of estafa, comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto finds herself dealing with a new scam—this time, from imposters trying to con her friends out of money.
Rufa Mae addresses the issue on her official Facebook account on January 18, 2025, writing (published as is): “Mga scammers po asking money using my name.
“Wala po akong Kailangan financial support Kahit kanino. And I’m not asking money Hinde ko po cel no. Yan at Hinde ako yan .
“Paki kalat nyo nga po please itong gusto mang hingi ng pera sa mga kakilala ko. Wag na kayo gumawa ng kwento at naireport ko na kayo sa lawyer ko.
“Friends be ware and aware! Salamat for sharing to all.”
In the uploaded screenshots of conversations between the scammers and her friends, it can be seen that the scammers exploited Rufa Mae’s ongoing estafa case as a pretext for requesting financial assistance.
The fraudsters avoided meeting in person, instead asking for money to be sent to a bank account.
Skeptical friends quickly flagged the suspicious interactions to Rufa Mae, who confirmed that she had no involvement in these solicitations.
RUFA MAE’S ESTAFA CASE
On December 2, 2024, it was confirmed that a warrant of arrest had been issued against Rufa Mae for 14 counts of violating Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code.
Like Neri Naig Miranda, Rufa Mae is also a celebrity endorser for Dermacare beauty clinic, which is currently embroiled in an investment scam.
A day later, Rufa Mae released an official statement to explain her side.
Rufa Mae’s legal counsel, Atty. Mary Louise Reyes, posted the actress’s official statement on Facebook.
She clarified that, like others, she is a victim of the beauty clinic owned by Chanda Atienza.
In Rufa Mae’s official statement (published as is), she said: “I want to take this opportunity to address the recent allegations that have been circulating regarding my involvement in a scam issue.
“Let me state this unequivocally: I HAVE NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER TO ANY FRAUDULENT ACTIVITY AND I CATEGORICALLY DENY THESE BASELESS ACCUSATIONS.
Rufa Mae never expected that, despite her long-established reputation and years in the industry, she would find herself involved in such a scandal.
However, the actress believes that, in the end, goodness and truth will prevail.
She wrote: “Over the years, I have worked tirelessly to build my career and maintain my untarnished reputation, which is rooted in integrity and dedication.
“As a public figure, I have always demonstrated professionalism, transparency, and respect for the people and brands I work with.
“It is dejecting to see my name being dragged through the mud, but I remain steadfast and confident that the truth will soon prevail.”
She also promised to face the charges against her by cooperating with the authorities as soon as she returns to the Philippines, since she was in the United States at the time the arrest warrant was issued.
“I will cooperate fully with the authorities and face this issue through the proper legal forum,” she said.
“Rest assured, I will fight for my name and reputation.”
In closing, Rufa Mae thanked everyone who has supported and believed in her.
Her message read: “To those who have extended their love and support, I am grateful.
“Let us allow justice to take its course, and I humbly ask for your patience and understanding as the truth unfolds.”
Before releasing her official statement, Rufa Mae’s legal counsel Atty. Mary Louise Reyes confirmed that there was an arrest warrant issued for the actress.
According to Atty. Reyes, in an statement released on December 2, the checks paid to Rufa Mae for her endorsement of Dermacare had bounced, which is why the actress cannot accept being implicated in the case.
Atty. Reyes also stated that Rufa Mae did not solicit any money from the complainants because her involvement with Dermacare was limited to being a celebrity endorser.
Atty. Reyes added, “She will face those charges… she will voluntarily surrender and we will post bail for that.
“She’s worried because the allegations are not true, as my client is just a brand ambassador, a model-endorser.”
